Muritai School Senior School Newsletter

Term One 2011

Dear parents, caregivers and children,

Welcome to Year 7 and 8 at Muritai School. Our team believe these to be the most important years before heading off to secondary school. Students will have many challenges and high expectations for the forthcoming year, as do, Mr Chadwick, Ms Berry and myself. Over the next few weeks these will be explored and explained further.

We know we have a wonderful group of students who are ready for the challenges of the senior school and we have an exciting programme for the year.

Term One Integrated Unit

“Words to Live By” and The Treaty of Waitangi

Big Idea: How people participate individually and collectively to respond to challenges faced.

This term’s programme aims to develop harmonious relationships in the classroom and playground. In the next few weeks in the Senior School, we will be looking at the rights and responsibilities of individuals and groups. We will examine the issues of human rights, Treaties, responsibilities, code of conduct for working with others.

Through this study we intend to help children to

· Develop and accept responsibility for their own thinking and learning.

· Demonstrate greater awareness and consideration for the rights of others, and the responsibilities, which these may involve.

· Understand the nature of rights, human rights, laws, rules, promises.

· Understanding the significance of the Treaty of Waitangi, what it means to us as New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand.

· Establish classroom expectations, identity and pride.

· Develop strategies to cope with challenging situations, displaying resilience and perseverance.

· Appreciate and acknowledge the hardships our ancestors have been though. The resilience that was needed to survive in early New Zealand.

This unit is also set up to create a positive environment where children understand, appreciate and support one another.

How can the family support the learning process?

One of the most effective, beneficial and relevant homework tasks is daily discussion and encouragement. Topics are very relevant with a lot of links to worldwide and New Zealand issues. Rich debate and discussion is hugely valued. Please talk about and discuss current issues, which link to New Zealand’s special diverse nature and explore the ‘Big Idea’.

Please share your views and allow the students to share theirs.

Technicraft

Technicraft starts next Wednesday. Students will work their way through the following programmes - Food Technology, Woodwork, Textiles, Visual Arts, French and Te Reo Maori. Food tech, Woodwork and Textiles take place at Wainuiomata Intermediate and Te Reo Maori, French and Visual Arts take place at school.

It is important that students are well equipped and prepared for Wednesday. For Woodwork they must wear covered shoes, their hair must be tied back and for all options they must have the correct stationery requirements.

Arts Programme

Once again we are running a Thursday afternoon ‘Arts Programme’. All students will be involved in a variety of arts opportunities. We are very fortunate to have Ruth Hooke supporting this programme which starts in week 6.

Swimming

Swimming starts Friday! Please ensure you child brings their togs

Monday – Rm 21 & Rm 22

Tuesday – Rm 23 & Rm 22

Thursday – Rm21 & Rm 23

Friday - All .

In weeks 5 and 6 (21/2/11 to 3/3/11) Swimming will be everyday. Classes have been paired up and all students will receive professional swimming instruction from trained swimming coaches.

Sports Programme.

Hopefully we will continue to have lovely weather throughout term one to support our summer sports programme. Sport takes place on Wednesday from 1.30pm to 2.40pm. Students need to be well prepared with the appropriate gear and a drink bottle is advised.

Meet the teacher - Information Sharing.

Meet the teacher interviews are to be held on the evening of 3^rd February (Thursday) starting at 3pm. These provide an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself to your child’s teacher, set goals, discuss individual circumstances and create a positive communication link between home and school. Please make an appointment through the office.

"Te Papa"

On the 14th of February the Senior School will visit Te Papa to explore three exciting exhibitions. The visit will include three areas of exploration. Attached is a permission slip, which also asks for parent help.. Please complete and return to school.

European Masters

This amazing exhibition includes artworks spanning the 19th and 20th centuries, featuring 96 works by 70 of the greatest German, French, Spanish, Belgian, Dutch and Swiss masters of the period. The extensive range of works and artists on show makes European Masters a wonderful opportunity for all students. This exhibition will provide an excellent introduction to the Senior Schools arts programme.

Blood, Earth, Fire

This exhibition is packed full of information and interactivity,

Blood, Earth, Fire will take us on an extraordinary journey of discovery through the changing landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The Glass Treaty

The Treaty of Waitangi is living social document - debated, overlooked, celebrated. Is it a vision of peaceful co-existence and a platform on which all New Zealanders can build a future?

Some other reminders:

1. A named wide brimmed sun hat is a must.

2. If you bring valuables to school you are responsible for them – our advice is to keep them at home.

3. A well-balanced, healthy lunch accompanied by lots of WATER will improve your performance in the classroom. You can have a drink bottle in the classroom, but only if it contains water.

4. Appropriate clothing for swimming and sport is essential – remember to bring them on the days you need them.

5. Please label your child’s clothing.

6. Student must wear helmets on bikes

7. School starts at 8.50am so please be at school by 8.40am so you are ready for a prompt start to the day.

8. A positive attitude goes a long way!

As Year 7 and 8 students we are role models to our school community. I am sure you will set an exceptional standard for the rest of the school to follow.

Thank you for your continued support. Remember we are happy to help in any way with supporting the children to be the best that they can be.